By IIS Radio SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Public Health says it’s time to get your annual flu shot. Now that people are out and about and most aren’t wearing a mask anymore, flu activity will likely pick up this year says IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. He recommends getting both the flu vaccine…… MORE
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – Help’s available for women – particularly women of color – who are trying to start up their own businesses. Women Employed, a nonprofit organization, has collected resources and networking opportunities under one banner: WE Hub. Barriers, says Women Employed director of business development Ibie Hart, include “lack of social capital,…… MORE
By IIS Radio SPRINGFIELD – The latest U.S. drought monitor shows continued dry conditions in some parts of the state. There hasn’t been much rain lately, which is reflected in the updated Illinois drought map. “We do have some pretty dry spots in the state,” said State Climatologist Trent Ford. “Pretty much the whole southern…… MORE
By IIS Radio SPRINGFIELD – Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul is warning the public about potential hurricane Ian donation scams. It’s okay to ask questions before you donate to relief efforts says Raoul, such as how much of your contribution will go towards the cause. He recommends paying close attention to the name of the…… MORE
By Dave Dahl NORMAL – The first of two statewide televised debates had both camps declaring victory, as Gov. JB Pritzker and State Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) met Thursday night at Illinois State University in Normal. Nexstar Broadcasting put on the debate, airing on tee vee stations that included WMBD Channel 31 in Peoria and…… MORE
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – Bipartisanship was practically oozing at the Illinois Chamber of Commerce annual meeting Thursday. House Speaker Chris Welch (D-Hillside) tweaked chamber president / CEO Todd Maisch just a little. “I want to remind folks I distinctly remember Todd offering some praise for the work that we did on our state budget,…… MORE
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – With U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) in Springfield for the ribbon-cutting of a massive rail project, it was only apt for reporters to ask him about the proposed merger of two railroads, Canadian Pacific and Kansas City Southern. “We’re concerned about the impact of this merger on the communities next…… MORE
By USDA SPRINGFIELD – There were 7.0 days suitable for field work during the week ending October 2, 2022. Statewide, the average temperature was 55.3 degrees, 6.6 degrees below normal. Precipitation averaged 0.01 inches, 0.64 inches below normal. Topsoil moisture supply was rated 11 percent very short, 38 percent short, and 51 percent adequate. Subsoil…… MORE
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – The state treasurer is calling attention to a savings program for disabled workers. Mike Frerichs, visiting Hope Vocational Academy in Springfield, told the story of a young woman with Down’s syndrome who worked for a law firm, delivering mail to the lawyers. “She would do it with a smile on…… MORE
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – The speaker of the Illinois House said Wednesday his political opponents want to sow fear and spread misinformation. Speaker Chris Welch (D-Hillside) told the City Club of Chicago that the elimination of cash bail, effective Jan. 1, is a good thing. “Those who want to repeat the Safe-T Act, ask…… MORE
By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year. It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …
By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city. Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…
By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…
Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University. We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk. Going to work every day for some people means…